Medieval Splendour-Modern Chaos

Lying strategically on the old trade routes from Delhi to Gujarat, Kota enjoys the admixture of medieval charm and modern chaos, amongst its cluster of ancient buildings and traffic- choked roads in its commercial centres. Curled up on the banks of the Chambal River, Kota was once regarded as the hallmark of Rajput power and culture. Today it boasts of Asia's largest fertiliser plant, a precision instrument unit and an Atomic Power Station for Nuclear Research.

HOW TO REACH

By Air:

Nearest airport is at Jaipur 250km from Kota.

List of Airlines
Indian Airlines
Jet airways

By Rail:
Kota falls on the Delhi-Mumbai route and is well connected by superfast rail services. Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Bundi are also accessible by rail from Kota.

By Road:
Kota is well connected with other parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh by state run bus services. Plenty of private operators too.

GETTING AROUND
There are plenty of autorickshaws, cycle rickshaws and min buses around. If you're flush in funds cab it around.

WHERE TO SHACK UP

If You Wanna' Blow Dough

Welcomgroup Umaid Bhawan Palace
Tel. 325262
Cost: Room rates vary from Rs1550 to Rs2250.

Sukhdham Kothi
Tel. 320081
Cost: Room rates are Rs1000 and above.

If You Wanna' Live Sensibly

Hotel Navrang
Near the GPO
Tel. 323294
Cost: Room rates vary from Rs.275 to 800

Hotel Brijraj Bhawan
Civil Lines
Tel. 450529
Cost: Room rates vary from Rs 875 to 1500

Hotel Marudhar
Jhalawar Road
Tel. 326186
Cost: Room rates vary from Rs250 to Rs550

If You Wanna' Be Really Smart

Chambal Tourist Bungalow
Kishore Sagar
Tel. 327627
Cost: Room rates vary from Rs.300 to Rs600

Hotel Phul Plaza
Near GPO
Tel. 329350
Cost: Room rates vary from Rs300 to Rs400

THINGS TO DO

Drive up to enjoy the impressive views of the Kota Barrage across the Chambal River, and the huge complex of the City Palace and the Fort

Start with the Rao Madho Singh Museum with its fine display of antique weaponry and period costumes and the finest selection of the Kota School of paintings. And then take pictures from a boat ride to the lovely Jagmandir Place located on a little island on the Kishore Sagar. If you're in Kota around Dussera, hang around for the boisterously colourful Dussera Mela.

Badoli (Barauli) , 40km from Kota, has one of the oldest and finest collections of temples in Rajasthan, and 60km away is the Bhand Devera Temple known as The Khajuraho of Rajasthan because of its erotic sculptures. The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is 80km away and is home to the tiger, panther and wild boar.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

The usual selection of Indian cuisine and some Rajasthani specialites in some of the better restaurants in town (in the hotels). Otherwise suss out the snack bars and roadside stalls for omelet and toast meals.

WHERE TO SHOP

Most people end up drooling over the glorious range of the famous Kota-Doria sarees, which are available in wide price range in the city markets. At Kethun (35km) you can actually see the weavers at work.

GENERAL INFORMATION Tourist Office
Tourist Reception Centre, RTDC Hotel Chambal, Nayapura. Tel. 0744 327695
STD Code
0744